Sports & Recreation

WOODSTOCK, Ga. -- A Woodstock teenager recently became a national powerlifting champion.

Hunter Pooser lifted 1,317.2 raw pounds during a USA Powerlifting meet in Dalton on Nov. 5. This total, which is also an American Teen record, qualified the 17-year-old to compete at the National High School Championship meet in Wisconsin next March.

"Raw" pounds are lifted without the usual support devices that powerlifting athletes use, such as a special bench press shirt or a full-body "deadlift suit," according to Pooser.

"When I compete in Wisconsin this March, I will be competing 'equipped,'" he said, meaning that he will bring certain items to aid him in his lifting. "I compare [the deadlift suit] to the full suits that you see Olympic swimmers wear to get better times in competition."

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Get in shape and learn self-defense with this weekend's fantastic DealChicken Atlanta deal.

Through Sunday night, DealChicken members can take advantage of 10 classes at ATA Martial Arts. Choose from Krav Maga classes for adults or Karate for Kids; either way, pay only $49 for a package valued at $149.

The deal gets even sweeter with 50 percent off basic karate gear for DealChicken members.

This offer expires on May 13, 2012. ATA Martial Arts has 21 locations throughout Metro Atlanta:

WOODSTOCK, Ga. -- A Harlem Globetrotter in Woodstock? That is right! As part of Carmel Elementary School’s Red Ribbon Week activities, Harlem Globetrotter legend Michael Douglas visited with students in grades 3, 4, and 5 and what fun they had! In Carmel’s gymnasium the excitement was building among the students and staff. When Douglas came out the students were energized. While Douglas did not speak about drug prevention, he did speak to the students about doing their best, trying their best, and setting their mind to achieve. Douglas showed off tricks to everyone’s delight and had several of the students learn some tricks as well. Carmel’s Principal, Dr. Keith Bryant said, “We wanted to bring in a speaker that would be engaging and exciting for the kids and Mr. Douglas was a great fit. Our goal was to focus on positive behavior and making good choices.”

Expect road closures on Sunday as runners discover Atlanta one mile at a time at the Atlanta Marathon and Marathon Relay on Sunday, October 30, 2011. The 26.2 mile urban course starts and finishes at Atlantic Station taking participants on a tour of Atlanta past well-known Atlanta sites and neighborhoods such as Georgia Tech, Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, Turner Field, Grant Park, Oakland Cemetery, Martin Luther King Center, Piedmont Park, Buckhead and the famous Peachtree Road.

Below are some important resources for spectators and residents / businesses located along the course.

HAMPTON, Ga. – Woodstock’s historic Dixie Speedway will host the new U.S. Legends Dirt Modifieds division on Saturday, October 22.

According to Atlanta Motor Speedway, this new serious of dirt racing features vehicles designed by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew chief and team owner Ray Evernham.

“The U.S. Legends program has been a proving ground for racers looking for affordable options to get into racing,” said Atlanta Motor Speedway President and General Manager Ed Clark. “We’ve had our asphalt program in Georgia for 14 seasons of Thursday Thunder, and this new car is expanding that program into dirt racing. This will be a great way for young competitors or hobby racers to race affordably.”

This will only be the second time that the series has ventured out of North Carolina. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and racing will begin at 7:30 p.m.

LILBURN -- Former Brookwood High School football standout, Rennie Curran is patiently waiting for a new jersey. Over the past two years, Curran went from the University of Georgia to LP Field in Nashville and now he's back at home.

Curran was released shortly after this year's NFL pre-season, despite leading the team in tackles during the pre-season.

Since being cut, Curran has been training at Catalyst and other gyms to ensure that when he does get a call, he wont miss a step. Curran is pretty confident he'll be wearing someone's jersey soon.

Proceeds from this event go to the Shop with a Cop program, where officers buy presents for disadvantaged children and their families during the holidays.

"It is a good time for a great cause," Sgt. Shane Collie with the Woodstock Police Department said about the charity ride.

Registration for the ride begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Walmart at 12182 Highway 92. The event begins at 11 a.m.; participants will travel across Cherokee County to Bogey's Sports Bar and Grill, located at 1085 Buckhead Crossing near Towne Lake Parkway.